| The benefits you get from aerobic activity are | | | | present, regular aerobic activity can be tailored to fit |
| numerous, and include strengthening the heart and | | | | the individual's needs as long as you are evaluated by |
| lungs as well as increasing your metabolism. People of | | | | your doctor or a health care provider first. |
| all ages should engage in regular exercise. Even if | | | | It's good to start out slow and gradually increase |
| there are health conditions present, regular aerobic | | | | aerobic activity as tolerated because any amount of |
| activity can be tailored to fit the individual's needs as | | | | aerobic activity is better than nothing. But you need to |
| long as you are evaluated by your doctor or a health | | | | get moving and make it worth your while. |
| care provider first. | | | | Now back at the ranch I have to deal with the |
| I am a member of the American Counsel on Exercise | | | | substitution. If you are going to get in a training session |
| and recently I have helped a few people get their | | | | with me or by yourself, I don't care how you play |
| personal training certifications through this great | | | | tennis, when you go golfing or make it to that business |
| organization. | | | | meeting. |
| I know daily aerobic activity is a must and I understand | | | | However if you need to skip the workout entirely, then |
| that for a larger portion of the population getting off | | | | that should be one heck of a doubles tennis match. |
| the couch is something that takes effort. | | | | You better go for every serve, make every point |
| Therefore, when I read a section in the manual on | | | | count and run like the wind for every ball. You see, I |
| aerobic activity that gardening for 20 minutes burns X | | | | understand that tennis can be social and I even admire |
| amount of calories it kind of got me revved up a little. | | | | everyone who uses it as an activity to get together |
| My grandmother gardens every day in the spring, | | | | with friends. But all too often I have seen 2-3 point |
| summer and fall. A little trimming here and watering | | | | volleys and then the point is done. I even watched a |
| there. She is in her 80's and I understand that an hour | | | | match once that didn't have any points other than the |
| of that may be just what she needs to get the blood | | | | serve. |
| flowing. | | | | I don't want to pick on tennis only. So let's go at the |
| BUT C'MON... if you are in your twenties, thirties, forties, | | | | golf outing. |
| and even fifties and sixties gardening should not be a | | | | You skip your workout and then you go have a few |
| form of exercise for the day. | | | | drinks on the front nine, then a huge and fattening lunch |
| Don't get me wrong. As I write this article, I can hear | | | | at the turn with a few more drinks on the back nine all |
| crews of landscapers outside my window. They are | | | | while riding in a cart. |
| climbing trees, mowing grass, lifting, pulling, heaving and | | | | First of all, if you skipped your workout for this activity |
| working hard. That is exercise. | | | | and blow off exercise completely, why make it worse |
| Getting out a flowered knee pad cushion and pruning | | | | by adding 3000 calories worth of food and liquor? |
| the azaleas is not exercise. | | | | If you skip an exercise session for a golf outing, then |
| This brings me to the topic at hand. ADDING A LITTLE | | | | you need to at least walk the course. Let the cart guy |
| PLAY TIME TO YOUR LIFE. | | | | drive your clubs on the course, but walk as much as |
| Occasionally, I am asked by my clients if they can | | | | possible. |
| reschedule an appointment or choose a different time | | | | Finally let's try another group of people I deal with: The |
| of day for their group training because they need to | | | | basketball leagues. This tends to be a little more |
| be a sub for their doubles tennis team or they have a | | | | aggressive. These guys sometimes get out of control |
| golf outing. | | | | with fouls and stuff but all too often I watch |
| My first questions are always: | | | | half-hearted efforts at fast breaks and rebounds. |
| If you are going to reschedule, 1) Will you still get in a | | | | If you are there to play... Why not really try hard? |
| workout today? AND 2) If you can't fit in a workout, | | | | I myself play in a lacrosse league and tend to run with |
| will you make the activity worth your while? | | | | guys in their twenties. I am no longer in my twenties. |
| Let me explain. | | | | But I do try to keep up and usually do. I run hard for |
| Regular aerobic activity should be included in | | | | every ground ball, I sprint up the field on transitions and I |
| everyone's daily routine to strengthen the heart and | | | | sub out when it is my turn because I am convinced |
| lungs and make them work more efficiently. | | | | that if I run hard for 2 - 4 minute shifts, I help the team |
| Activities like running, walking, stair climbing, swimming, | | | | more as opposed to half running for 8 minute shifts. |
| or any number of other activities can get the heart | | | | So I want you to think about joining a program that has |
| working harder for a continuous period of time. We | | | | a little level of competition. Some place that is |
| won't get into intensity here as I have written about it | | | | appropriate for your level of play in any sport and |
| before. But remember I asked "Will you make the | | | | where you can be pushed when you get involved. |
| activity worth your while?" | | | | It gets the juices flowing and lets you remember what |
| The benefits you get from aerobic activity are | | | | it was like to be a kid. You did play outside when you |
| numerous, and people of all ages should engage in | | | | were young. Why not do it again? |
| regular exercise. Even if there are health conditions | | | | Tag, you're it. |